Android O and your smartphone's performance: the ultimate guide to optimizing and measuring the speed of your Android phone

Android O, which corresponds to version 8 of this operating system, marked a turning point in optimizing the performance of Android smartphones. The second preview presented during Google I/O raised high expectations, not only for its visual improvements, but even more so for its profound internal improvements aimed at speeding up the system, reducing resource consumption, and improving application management. This article explores in depth all the key reasons why Android O represented a crucial advance in performance and user experience, as well as offering a complete guide on what determines the real-world performance of an Android phone, how to measure it, optimize it, and get the most out of its capabilities. If you're looking to understand how Android O and subsequent versions impacted the fluidity of your smartphone, you'll find all the answers here.

Android O and the leap in smartphone performance

With the arrival of Android O, Google established new performance standards for mobile devices. While until now one of the recurring arguments from users of rival platforms like iOS was the greater fluidity of the system, Android O has redoubled its efforts to close the gap and even surpass the competition in certain key aspects. From a drastic reduction in restart timeFrom streamlining multitasking and more efficient resource management by apps, version 8.0 focused on providing a more agile, stable, and responsive experience. To fully understand the impact this has on your experience, you can learn how to improve your phone's performance. UFS storage and its effect on performance.

These improvements are not only noticeable on high-end smartphones like the Google Pixel, but also bring significant benefits to more modest devices. Android O was designed so that even phones with limited specifications could benefit from an optimized platform capable of running complex apps and games smoothly.

Significant reduction in restart time

One of the most common problems with older Android phones was the considerable time it could take for the system to reboot, leading to frustration and loss of productivity. Android O introduced deep optimizations to the core of the system to speed up this process, reducing the reboot time by half in many cases. This advancement not only facilitates a quick return to use after a necessary reboot, but also helps make updates and configuration changes less disruptive. If you want to learn how to perform a quick reboot on your Android, visit Fast Reboot to reboot in seconds.

Optimizations were made to both background service management and the initialization of essential processes. Although the first data were obtained on Google Pixel devices, the modular architecture allowed much of the range of Android devices could notice this improvement.

Application fluidity and multitasking

The perceived performance of a smartphone depends largely on the speed when opening applications and the fluidity of multitasking. Android O incorporated:

• Restrictions on background processes: Limiting resource usage of inactive apps to free up RAM and CPU.
• Memory management improvements: with more efficient use of RAM, allowing more apps to be kept ready for the user without reducing overall system speed.
• New APIs for developers: promoting the design of lightweight, responsive applications that consume less energy and resources.

As a result, users notice less lag, fewer crashes, and a better experience even with demanding applications and complex games. To understand how to better manage memory, see .

Optimized use of resources and energy savings

An essential part of performance is how the system manages available resources, especially on phones with limited hardware. Android O advanced this with:

• Optimizing background services: Preventing unnecessary apps from consuming RAM and CPU when not in use.
• Improvements in energy management: Longer battery life thanks to prioritization of vital processes.
• New energy-saving modes adaptive, which dynamically adjust consumption based on actual smartphone usage.

A system prepared for emerging technologies

Android O laid the groundwork for the arrival of advanced features such as on-device artificial intelligence, improvements in multimedia playback, and expanded support for next-generation cameras, graphics, and processors. This modular architecture ensured scalability and compatibility with both new technologies and older devices.

The debate over the name and identity of Android O

At the time, the final commercial name for Android O was a mystery that fueled all kinds of speculation. Among the most popular candidates were "Oreo" and "Oatmeal." Beyond the anecdote, this episode reflects the enormous expectation generated by each new version of the operating system and how Google has built a narrative around its codenames, one that transcends the technical aspect and connects with the community of users and developers.

What really determines the performance of an Android smartphone?

While the operating system version is a critical factor, the overall performance of an Android device is determined by a complex interaction of hardware and software. Understanding how each component influences performance will allow you to choose the right phone for your needs and optimize its performance. For example, if you want to delve deeper into how the , in this section you can find useful information to compare different models.

Processor (CPU and SoC)

The processor, or SoC (System-on-a-Chip), is the “brain” of the smartphone. The more powerful and efficient the CPU isThe faster tasks, games, and applications run. Modern SoCs combine the CPU, GPU (for graphics), and DSP (for specialized tasks like AI and audio processing), allowing for a smoother, more responsive multitasking experience.

RAM

RAM is the space where real-time applications run. More GB of RAM allows you to keep more apps open without slowdowns. and prevent unexpected shutdowns when switching between tasks. However, efficient system management of RAM is just as important as the total amount available.

Internal storage

Storage speed and capacity directly affect app and file loading times. Fast storage (UFS versus eMMC) improves the smoothness of installing, opening apps, and writing data. For more details, see .

Operating system and customization layer

In addition to the version of Android that your device has, the manufacturer's customization layer (such as One UI, MIUI, ColorOS, etc.) introduces additional features but can also add bloatware and consume resources that, if not managed properly, can negatively impact performance. A clean system (stock Android) is generally faster and more stable, although less customizable.

System and application updates

Keeping your operating system and applications up to date ensures the better compatibility, security and optimizationUpdates often include performance patches and bug fixes that can make a difference in your daily life.

Managing background processes and bloatware

Android performance is sensitive to the number of apps running in the background., especially those pre-installed (bloatware) and manufacturer services. Limiting, freezing, or disabling these apps improves your device's speed and power consumption. To optimize even further, you can check out on screen protection and performance.

How to check and measure the performance of your Android

Whether out of curiosity or to compare your device with other models, there are specialized tools to evaluate the real performance of an Android smartphoneThese benchmarks perform extensive tests of the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and other critical areas. For accurate data, you can also check out The Cubot X9 performance test and the like.

Recommended Benchmark Applications

• AIDA64: Provides detailed information on all hardware components, real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature and processor speed.
• Geekbench: Evaluates both CPU and GPU power with single-core and multi-core tests, as well as offering comparisons against other phones on the market.
• 3DMark: Specialized in graphics power, it puts the phone through tests that simulate next-generation games and measures sustained performance.
• AI Benchmark: Analyzes the device's ability to perform artificial intelligence tasks, which are increasingly present in modern apps.
• GFX Bench: Focus on graphics and power consumption during the execution of complex scenarios.
• PassMark PerformanceTest: Complete CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage testing, with exportable results for benchmarking.

Performance Classes in Android: What Do They Really Mean?

Since Android 12 there is the concept of performance class, indicative of each device's capability level. Each new version of Android defines its own class (e.g., MPC 31 in Android 12, MPC 33 in Android 13, etc.). Phones declare which class they belong to, helping developers and users understand what to expect in terms of media experience, camera management, graphics, latency, and more. To dig deeper into how these classes affect your experience, you can visit the analysis of different performance classes.

• MPC 30/31: Basic requirements for a smooth experience on older devices.
• MPC 33/34/35: They demand better multimedia capabilities, advanced graphics processing, high-end cameras, and greater efficiency.

It's important to understand that updating Android doesn't necessarily change your phone's performance, as this depends on the physical hardware. Layers of customization and system optimizations, however, can improve user perception even if the hardware doesn't change.

Key tips to improve and optimize performance on Android

Optimizing an Android phone is vital to extending its lifespan and enjoying maximum fluidity, even if it's not a top-of-the-range model. Take note of the best strategies:

1. Free up storage space: Remove unused apps, unnecessary files, and manage your photos and videos using cloud services or external cards.
2. Update system and applications: Updates fix bugs, improve security, and often include optimizations to speed up your system.
3. Restart your device regularlyA simple reboot frees up RAM, closes blocked processes, and resolves minor bugs that can hinder performance. You can also use .
4. Limit background apps: Review them from 'Settings > Apps' and stop, uninstall, or restrict unnecessary ones.
5. Disable animations and visual effects: In 'Developer Options' set animations to 0 or 0.5x to speed up response times.
6. Use optimization and cleaning modes: There are applications like CCleaner or SD Maid that help delete temporary files, manage processes and free up RAM.
7. Control bloatware: Disable, freeze, or remove pre-installed apps that you don't use and that are constantly consuming resources.
8. Disable unnecessary wireless connections: Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS when not needed to reduce processor load.
9. Configure graphics settings in games correctly: Reduce the level of graphic detail and frames per second if your phone experiences lag when playing.
10. Activate dark mode and reduce brightness: Improves energy efficiency and can ease the load on the processor during long sessions.
11. Disable Force 4x MSAA: This option (in 'Developer Options') improves graphics in some games but consumes more resources; disable it if your phone is limited.
12. Use Game Booster: Many manufacturers incorporate this feature to prioritize resources towards games and avoid interruptions or annoying notifications.

Hardware or software? The eternal debate between brute force and optimization

In the Android world there are devices that are committed to the hardware brute force (more cores, higher frequency, advanced GPUs) and others that stand out for their software optimization and the integration of its customization layer. The phone with the highest numbers doesn't always offer the smoothest experience: phones like Google's Pixel stand out for the cleanliness and efficiency of their stock Android. On the other hand, some manufacturers prefer to add extra features, which can affect performance if not properly managed. To understand how these differences affect performance, it may be helpful to consult the comparison of multi-core processors.

Performance Differences: Android vs. iOS

Comparing performance between Android and iOS is common, and the explanation goes beyond processor or RAM numbers. iOS performs a extremely efficient management of resources, allowing for agile operation even with less RAM, thanks to a complete hardware and software optimization in the Apple ecosystem.

Android, being available on a wide range of devices from multiple manufacturers and configurations, presents more variety in the experience. However, progressive optimizations in recent Android versions and the introduction of performance classes have significantly narrowed the gap, enabling excellent user experiences even on mid- and low-end devices.

The importance of user experience and the perception of speed

Not only numbers matter: the perception of speed It is influenced by factors such as the lack of interface lag, the speed of unlocking (fingerprint, face), the fluidity of switching apps, and overall stability. Details such as fast animations, minimal loading times, and efficient multitasking management are what make the difference in everyday life. To improve this perception, check out our recommendations at Fluid Experiences.

Which Android phone performs best today?

Today's Android market boasts an astonishingly diverse offering. The high-end often grabs headlines for its spectacular benchmark results, but there are mid-range and entry-level models that, thanks to system optimization and improvements like those introduced in Android O, offer surprising performance for their price. For a deeper dive into the latest standout models, visit the Doogee Mix.

Among the models that stand out for their outstanding performance, efficiency, and innovation, we find offerings from Google (Pixel), Samsung (Galaxy S, FE), Xiaomi, Motorola, OPPO, and OnePlus, among others. The key lies in the balance between competent hardware, system optimization, and intelligent resource management.

Common Mistakes and Myths About Android Performance

• “Having too many apps causes slowness”. Only if they're active in the background or constantly consuming data. The important thing is to limit background usage.
• “Constantly clearing the cache helps”. It may free up space, but it doesn't always improve speed, and excessively so can slow down the initial startup of apps.
• “Force-quitting apps always improves fluidity.”. Forcing continuous shutdowns can even increase power consumption by requiring a full reload of the app each time it is opened.
• “Updating to a new version of Android will make my phone faster.”. It depends on the performance class and the manufacturer's optimization for that specific model.

Android O laid the foundation for modern Android smartphone performance and remains a benchmark for subsequent versions. Its impact can be seen in the improved user experience, system fluidity, intelligent resource management, and the democratization of advanced features even for less powerful phones. If you also apply the optimization tips described above, you'll keep your Android always ready for any current and future challenge, regardless of its range or age.